VT machining provides CNC Gear Cutting Steel for customers who need accurate, repeatable Steel components. Because Steel is strong, economical, widely available carbon/alloy grades, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Process Data for CNC Gear Cutting Steel
| Heat-treat route | Carburise & harden (58-62 HRC case) |
|---|---|
| Accuracy as cut | ISO 1328 class 8-9 (AGMA 9-10) |
| Module range | 0.3-6 |
| Hobbing speed (HSS-E / carbide) | 55 / 180 m/min |
| Methods | Gear shaping (internal), form milling, skiving |
| Gear types | Internal gears, bevel, racks, cluster gears |
Shown for 1018 Steel, the most common Steel grade we see for CNC Gear Cutting. Typical values for 1018 Steel, Cold-drawn; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Gear Cutting Capability for Steel
- Multiple gear types
- Profile accuracy class
- Custom modules
- Hardened-blank ready
Steel material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Gear Hobbing Steel page.
How CNC Gear Cutting Steel Works
Tooth profiles are generated in the Steel blank by a synchronised cutter, then refined to the required accuracy class. Module, pressure angle and helix are programmed from your gear data.
We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Gear Cutting Steel
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy class | DIN 8 / AGMA 10 | DIN 6 / AGMA 12 |
| Profile deviation | 0.020 mm | 0.008 mm |
| Lead deviation | 0.020 mm | 0.008 mm |
| Pitch deviation (cumulative) | 0.040 mm | 0.015 mm |
| Runout | 0.030 mm | 0.010 mm |
| Tooth surface finish | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm (ground) |
| Module range | m0.5–m8 | m1–m6 |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Design Tips for CNC Gear Cutting Steel
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Providing complete gear data (module, pressure angle, profile shift, quality class) lets us produce Steel gears right the first time. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Gear Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Gear features are produced to a specified DIN/AGMA accuracy class, with profile and lead controlled for quiet, durable running under load.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Applications of CNC Gear Cutting Steel
Steel parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Steel Parts for CNC Gear Cutting
Illustrative examples of CNC Gear Cutting Steel parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Spur gear
- Material
- Steel
- Size
- m2, z40, 20° PA, face 20 mm
- Key callouts
- DIN 7, runout 0.02 mm
- Batch
- 500 pcs
Hobbed, hardened, then hard-finished; skipping the finish pass costs a full accuracy class.
Bevel gear pair
- Material
- Steel
- Size
- m2, z20/z40, 90° axes
- Key callouts
- DIN 8, mounting distance ±0.03 mm
- Batch
- 200 sets
Contact pattern checked on a rolling tester before release.
Splined shaft
- Material
- Steel
- Size
- DIN 5480, 26 × 1.5
- Key callouts
- Fit class H7/g6, runout 0.02 mm
- Batch
- 800 pcs
Spline hobbed with the journals ground afterwards on the same centres.
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Gear Cutting Steel
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Steel grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Gear Cutting
Other Processes for Steel
Send the drawing, the Steel grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is CNC Gear Cutting Steel and how is it done?
CNC Gear Cutting Steel refers to cNC gear cutting forms precise tooth profiles for spur, helical, bevel and worm gears. Applied to Steel — strong, economical, widely available carbon/alloy grades — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
Which industries use CNC Gear Cutting Steel parts?
CNC Gear Cutting Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Steel components are required.
What gear accuracy class can you achieve on Steel?
Gear accuracy is specified to DIN/AGMA classes appropriate to the application. Profile and lead are controlled so Steel gears run accurately and quietly under load.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Gear Cutting Steel?
CNC Gear Cutting prototypes for Steel can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.